Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Ali Omar Balcad, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab militants from the country and ruled out any potential negotiations with the terrorist group.

In an exclusive interview with Dawan TV, the state minister emphasized the achievements made in the war against the militants.

“The Government has made key advancements in the fight against Al-Shabaab and liberated many areas. There are no ongoing negotiations, and indeed, we will continue the war until we eliminate them,” said the Minister.

He stated that the Government has offered amnesty to those ready to defect from the terrorists and surrender to the Government.

He noted that those who defect from the militant group will be provided opportunities to reintegrate into regular life and further provided hotline numbers to facilitate the process.

Acknowledging the vital role of Somalia’s Quint group, consisting of Britain, the United States, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, in assisting Somalia in matters of security, the minister didn’t reveal any of their efforts to mediate between the government and the militants’ group.

He described the crucial role played by the Quint group in lifting the arms embargo, reconstructing, and equipping the Somali National Army.

The state minister also discussed several key aspects of the federal government’s foreign policy, particularly Somalia’s relations with Western nations and the Middle East.